I'm sure this has been discussed but the rules keep changing so I'll ask: I'm about to buy a Verizon Iphone. This is a quadband phone and Verizon will now unlock the phone if it's requested. (They even state so when the owner is traveling overseas they can insert an international sim card.) I plan to take this phone to Europe and mostly use it for emails and skype when connected to wifi. However, should I not have decent wifi available, I'd like to get a sim card that will allow me to make some calls and get email as well as other data should the need arise. I'm going to the UK and France for sure and then either Italy or Iceland when I decided which direction to take. Are there sim cards that offer both voice and data and will work in all these areas or do I have to buy separate sim cards? Any suggestions on companies that offer this? Thanks and if you need any more info, let me know. If there is a website or previous discussion on this and you can point me in the right direction, that would also be appreciated.
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
Lots of options: 1) local SIM (especially from a U.K. provider), 2) travel phone SIM (but not so good on data), 3) Verizon international plan (check the costs). Here are some links: For overseas DATA use, local prepaid is best solution iPhone 4 for call and data in Italy Best Prepaid Sim Card for Data 3G cell phones in Europe
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Paul, can I buy one when I arrive at Heathrow or should I wait until I get into town for a better price? Is there any company you suggest over another?
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
Francine, sorry I didn't see your question until today. I'm not sure of any SIM I'd recommend over another. I use T-Mobile U.K., but others probably offer similar plans. The nice thing about carriers from the U.K. is their web pages are in English and you can get them here. I think the price for SIMs is pretty standard, although there are lots and lots of places selling them outside the airport.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32322 posts
Francine, I assume that you'll be buying an iPhone 4S? Some of the earlier Verizon iPhone models didn't have GSM capability, so the 4S is the best model to buy. You will of course need two different types of Plug Adaptors to charge the phone. The links that Paul listed should provide you with all the information you'll need. Although you may be able to buy a card at LHR, I'd suggest waiting until you get into London as you'll have far greater selektion. There will be several different calling plans, so you may want to check the websites for O2, T-Mobile, Vodaphone, Virgin or other U.K. networks. If there's a Carphone Warehouse near your Hotel, they represent most of the networks, so should be able to fit you with the best carrier and best plan for your needs. Be sure that you're clear on the method to top-up outside of the U.K., and also the change in rates outside the U.K. Another option you might want to consider would be to use a SIM from one of the "travel phone" firms. These typically come with a U.K. number, but have post-paid billing (calls charged to a credit card). The advantage of that is that you'd have a working phone as soon as you step off the plane. Happy travels!